Now, the stakes are higher as Clady tries to keep Peyton Manning safe from Dumervil, who returns to Mile High on Thursday night as a hybrid linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens after departing Denver in the offseason.

Clady knows he has his work cut out trying to keep one of the league's top pass rushers far away from Manning.

Said Clady of blocking Dumervil: "He's a good player in this league and he's definitely a challenge. I'm looking forward to the challenge and just playing my game, seeing if I can get the best of him."

Clady is coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he allowed just one sack.